Overweight and Obesity Rates Increase in U.S.

Prevalence rates for obesity are on the rise in the United States, according to a letter published inJAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers analyzed weight status in the United States using the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). BMI results showed, of the 36,325,297 participants, almost 40 percent of men and nearly 30 percent of women were overweight. Similarly, 35 percent of men and 36 percent of women were classified as obese, making them more susceptible to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The authors stress that the increase in weight compared to the prior analysis warrants changes to health policy with an emphasis on prevention.